Match Centre

MIDDLESEX V ESSEX | MATCH REPORT

BY OLIVER THORPE

DAY ONE

Middlesex ended the first day of their three-day friendly against Essex at Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club on 36/3.

On a snow-affected day in Northwood, Essex won the toss and elected to bat first.

They found themselves 0/1 at the end of the first over as Nick Browne edged Tim Murtagh to slip, where Max Holden held the catch.

There was then a recovery as Essex skipper Tom Westley and Alastair Cook put on 47 together before the former was trapped LBW by Toby Roland-Jones for 32.

Michael Pepper then fell four overs later to leave the visitors on 49/3 in horrendous conditions for cricket.

A lunchtime score of 66/3 turned into 78/4 and then 91/5 as Middlesex’s bowlers plugged away and got their rewards – Martin Andersson getting the prize wicket of Cook before getting Pepper caught behind shortly afterwards – finishing the innings with figures of 2/45.

Ethan Bamber got the wicket of Adam Wheater and then three overs later the Essex declaration came with the scoreboard reading 164/6.

With a tricky one-hour period for the Middlesex openers to negotiate, Mark Stoneman, Sam Robson and Stephen Eskinazi fell before stumps – With Robbie White and Max Holden not out overnight.

Play will resume in the morning at Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club. Spectators are welcome, however, please note that facilities will be limited, and parking will be available on Long Lane – adjacent to the Merchant Taylors’ School pitch.

For those who can’t make it to Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club, a live stream will be available via the match centre on the Club’s website.

DAY TWO

Middlesex gained batting and bowling practice on the second day of their three-day match against Essex at Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club.

The hosts began the day on 36/3 and lost Max Holden before Jack Davies (33) and Robbie White (29) shared 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

The only other score of note on day two was Toby Roland-Jones’ 13 as Middlesex were all out for 135 in Northwood.

Middlesex’s bowlers were tidy with the ball and economy rates were low as scoring opportunities were restricted.

In the evening session, Tom Helm and Roland-Jones managed to take a wicket each as Essex reached stumps on 63/2 – with a lead of 92.

Play on the final day will resume at 11am. Spectators are welcome to attend – however, facilities will be limited. Parking will be available on Long Lane, adjacent to the Merchant Taylors’ School pitch.

For those who can’t make it to the final day of pre-season action, a live stream will be available via the match centre on the Club’s website.

DAY THREE

Middlesex rounded off their pre-season by reaching their required target during the final day of their three-day match against Essex at Old Merchant Taylors’ Cricket Club.

The home side were set a target of 135, which they reached around 10 minutes before the scheduled tea interval in Northwood.

John Simpson top-scored with 48 and Max Holden contributed with 41 as the batters earned valuable time in the middle.

Sam Robson also made 21 before retiring. Mark Stoneman, Stephen Eskinazi, Jack Davies and Martin Andersson all got off the mark to help their side chase the target down.

Earlier in the day, Middlesex took no wickets before the Essex declaration prior to the lunch break.

Next up is the first competitive action of the summer as we welcome Derbyshire to Lord’s in the LV= Insurance County Championship. The match starts on Thursday 7^th April at 11am.